BOOK OF ESTHER - Today in the Word

1 And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? ESTHER 4:14 SEPTEMBER 2016A devotional fromBOOK OF ESTHER :The Deliverance of God s PeopleThere Is More to Our StoryDuring my years as a pastor, I was often called to sit with people at the lowest moments of their lives. Whether we were huddled under the stark lights of a hospital emergency room or sitting on their living room sofa, sometimes there was little I could do but listen and pray. What do you say to parents when their child dies? How do you encourage a person who has lost a job or whose spouse has walked out the door? Despite our eternal hope, we don t always have answers in the here and now.

2 But, as someone who has studied Scripture from beginning to end, I am confident of this: there is more to our stories than may meet the eye. We read two stories throughout the Bible. First, we see the human narrative of sin and failure, of forgiveness and repentance. But we must not overlook the second story, God s story. Our God was present at the Creation and in the Resurrection, but His hand is also evident throughout Scripture in less obvious ways, orches-trating events, softening hearts, working miracles, toppling leaders, and saving the broadcaster Paul Harvey used to like to tell us the rest of the story. And too often we forget that God is working behind the scenes creating the rest of our story.

3 No matter what we may face, He is present, and He is in control. As you read the book of ESTHER , you will see two stories. The first is ESTHER s. She is a young woman, chosen by the king for her beauty. She is also Jewish. One of the king s top officials hates the Jews and makes it his mission to destroy God s people. ESTHER s story seems hopeless. Why would God allow such a wicked man to triumph?But if you are patient and keep reading, you see Him at work in ESTHER s life. He has carefully orchestrated each moment in ESTHER s life so that she is in the perfect place at exactly the right moment: for such a time as this (4:14). God works in miraculous ways through ESTHER s story to deliver His people.

4 It is her story, but it is also God s. And so it is with us. When your life seems grim, and it appears that your story has taken a terrible turn, remember that God is still at work. There is more to our story. From the beginning to the end, our God reigns. n 800 356 6639 Today WITH DR. PAUL NYQUISTP resident of Moody Global MATTERSby Dr. John KoesslerThe God of IsraelOne surprising feature of the book of ESTHER is that it never mentions God by name. On the surface, it appears to be a story about survival, prejudice, and politics. But for those who know the larger story of the Bible, God s hidden hand can be discerned in these events, working to protect and preserve Israel.

5 The story of ESTHER turns on a series of seeming coincidences. Mordecai happens to learn of a plot to assassinate the king and warns him through ESTHER (2:21 23). The king happens across the account of Mordecai s heroism just as Haman begins to make plans to have him executed (6:1 3). The king happens to prefer ESTHER , which becomes the means of protection for Mordecai and the Jewish people. None of these events were accidents. They reflect the sovereignty of God and the exercise of God s divine power by which He governs all of creation and causes all things to work toward His ultimate purposes. The book of ESTHER illustrates Israel s unique place in God s plan.

6 God s choice of Israel as His treasured possession guaranteed that Haman s intent to exterminate the Jewish people would fail (Deut. 14:2). They are a people for whom God has a particular purpose and who have been given special promises. This status is irrevocable and continues to this day (Rom. 11:29). This does not mean that God has a different plan of salvation for the Jewish people. Everyone must place their faith in Jesus Christ in order to experience forgiveness and salvation. Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah and the hope of Israel (Acts 26:6; 28:20). He is the key that unlocks all the promises made to the Jewish people. His resurrection is the reason Jews and Gentiles alike can hope in eternal life.

7 From Hitler to white supremacists to Islamic extremists, many have attempted to follow in Haman s steps. But they are destined to fail in their ultimate objective just as Haman did. God will continue to preserve and protect the Jewish people. He will fulfill all the promises made to Israel. In the last days there will be a great turning of the Jewish people to embrace Jesus as their Savior. At that time all Israel will be saved (Rom. 11:26). nFOR FURTHER STUDYTo learn more about the hope ofIsrael, readThe Messianic Hope Messianic Hope Messianic byMichael Rydelnik (B&H).Back to SchoolMillions of children have started back to school.

8 Not that long ago, my wife and I would shop for school supplies with our children. Those folders, pens, and binders represented the work yet to come: papers, science experiments, and math problems. I remember times as a student when I wondered, When will I ever need to remember this? And it s true we don t need to retain everything we memorized so diligently for tests. But the study of God s Word is always a worthy investment of our time. On the stone archway leading in to Moody s administrative building is carved this verse: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim.)

9 2:15, ). Through higher education, publishing, and radio, we want to provide resources that help you know God and His Word in a deeper, richer believers, we know that the Bible is more than just another important historical book . God s Word is unique because it is inspired (God-breathed) and entirely without error. Through the pages of the Bible, God reveals Himself to us. The Greek word for revelation comes from apokalupsis, meaning to disclose or unveil. Through the pages of Scripture, we can see things more clearly. We are able to know God in a deeper, richer are just a few reasons why being a student of God s Word is so valuable.

10 God s Word helps us navigate our lives. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 God s Word never goes out of date. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:8 God s Word sustains us. Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 God s Word is authoritative and true. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 Thank you for joining us through Today in the Word. What a privilege it is that we have this communication that allows us to better understand God and know Him more fully. We pray that your time spent in Scripture will prove valuable, encouraging and strengthening you in your faith journey as you draw closer to Him!